Faster Travel

Dad's car gave us the freedom to travel but also a slight culture shock.  30mph seems very fast compared to our sedate 3mph on the canals.  Kev decided a smartphone would be useful and so we drove into Chester, the car park fee was another shock.   The salesman was perhaps surprised by our main reason for a smartphone - the maps and GPS to guide us when we're back on foot and trying to find a shop.  We opted for a Nokia Lumia and although we've spent some time with it there are still some features which have us perplexed.       

On Monday we ventured out onto the motorways and drove back to our starting point at Goole.   Before arriving at Tattenhall Marina we received an email from Sue at Viking Marina.  Sue and John have always provided an excellent service and did so again with our faulty battery monitor.  They liaised with the manufacturer and had now received a replacement monitor for us.   On arrival at the marina Bess raced excitedly up the stairs into the chandlery.  We enjoyed a chat and cup of tea with Sue and John, were pleased to see Ray and Anita who called in and then it was time to continue our journey to Rotherham.

As soon as we arrived at Nic and Gaz's house Bess and Georgie, Nic's staffie, started an energetic game.  I don't think Bess was too upset when we slipped out leaving her behind, especially as she got a walk in the park.  

We met up with Pat and Karl for a meal at a favourite Chinese restaurant.  Pat and Karl started our adventure by selling Brent III to us and it was great to see them.  The conversation flowed and all too soon it was time to go.  

Nic and Gaz had kindly offered to put us up overnight, a good ending to the day.  We were very impressed by their log burning fire which radiated an enormous amount of heat.

On Tuesday we returned to Tattenhall.  There were roadworks on the Woodhead Pass, a good excuse to take the scenic route and call in for fish and chips at Compo's in Holmfirth.  

Back on board Kev tackled some maintenance work including replacing the interior lights - again.  Before starting the cruise we replaced the fluorescent lights with low consumption LEDs bought for a bargain price off eBay.  Initially the lights worked well but we soon noticed blocks within the lights had stopped working.  It transpired the bargain lights did not tolerate voltage fluctuations.  Kev has now installed LEDS with a higher tolerance and they also give a better quality light.  A lesson learnt about bargains which appear to good to be true!